Rodent Issues Special Committee

Virtual

Agenda — 11 items

1. 1 (Posted online: 9/22/24 at 3:15 PM)
2. 1 The meeting took place virtually via Zoom and was called to order at 6:02 PM by Chair CLingan and adjourned at 7:39 PM with a roll call vote of 2 in favor (Councilor Wilson and Councilor Clingan) 0 opposed and 1 absent (Councilor McLaughlin) Others present: Director of Inspectional Services - Nick Antanavica, Assistant City Solicitor - Jay Piques, Environmental Health Manager - Colin Zeigler, Environmental Health Coordinator - Alicia Privett, Legislative Services Manager - Madalyn Letellier.
3. 2 Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023, this meeting of a City Council Committee will be conducted via remote participation. We will post an audio recording, audio-video recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of these proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting on the City of Somerville website and local cable access government channels. Copy & paste the following link into your internet browser to view this meeting live: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_t6YPSoc4S8ilLfxQ92-YtQ Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e. CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance, at 617-625-6600 x2059 or ada@somervillema.gov.
4. 3 Roll Call
5. 1. Approval of the Minutes of the Rodent Issues Special Committee Meeting of May 14, 2024. 24-0707 Accepted
6. 2. That the Environmental Health Manager prepare a written report for the next meeting of this Council’s Special Committee on Rodent Issues, on the number of Residential Rodent Control Assistance Program requests submitted from January 1, 2024 to date, including the average waiting time for inspections and bait station installation and a plan of action to expedite the process. 24-1277 Recommended to be marked work completed
7. 3. That the Directors of Constituent Services, Inspectional Services and Health and Human Services jointly prepare a written report for the next meeting of this Council’s Special Committee on Rodent Issues, on the number of rodent complaints received from January 1, 2024 to date, including the information detailed within. 24-1276 Kept in committee
8. 4. That the City Solicitor review Ordinance 11-038 (Rodent Control) and provide opinions for the next meeting of this Council’s Special Committee on Rodent Issues on 1. whether city inspectors may enter onto private property; 2. how much time must elapse subsequent to the issuance of a citation for the city to “cause the work to be performed and charge the owner of the property and place a lien against the property for expenses incurred"; and 3. the minimum amount of time that may be imposed pursuant to 11-038 (e). 24-1275 Recommended to be marked work completed
9. 5. That the Director of Inspectional Services inspect the area at the intersection of Broadway and Glen Street for rodent activity. 24-1035 Recommended to be marked work completed
10. 6. That the Environmental Health Coordinator discuss the current contract with the pest control company that administers the city's rat abatement program. 24-0203 Recommended to be marked work completed
11. 9 Referenced Documents: • Rodent Issues - 2024-09-30 Opinion to Council re Rodent Control Ordinance (with 24-1275) • Rodent Issues - 2024-09-30 Rodent Committee Presentation (with 24-1276, 24-1277)